cause i will be the [ d e a t h ] of YOU ;; open

[Phoenix]

touma
FOLLOW ME DOWN
and you should know that the
lies won't hide your flaws
no sense in hiding all of yours
you gave up on your dreams along the way

[/color]

It was late in the day, the sun inching closer and closer to the horizon, already touching the tips of the trees. It wasn't chilly, though, just a little bit cool. It didn't bother the roan stud that stood among the trees. He was simply enjoying the left over warmth in the dapples of sunlight that reached through the leaves, his tail swishing lazily to chase away the few flies there were, and his ears twitching slightly.

That was one bad habit he had, the ear twitching. He had to actually think about it to make it stop, and when his mind was working on his schemes, if he wasn't careful, the right one would go out of control, practically vibrating. But right now, his mind was hardly working at all, so it stayed fairly still, though not entirely.

A slightly evil curve was visible at the corners of his pleased smile. He'd just recently taken yet another victim, and this one had been so satisfying. She'd tried so hard to scream for help through the blood. No sound had ever come out, he made sure of it, but she had tried. He stopped himself from laughing at the image, still clear in his mind. He couldn't even remember her name anymore, but it didn't matter. His smile faded, though, as he realized he'd now become bored. It was time to find another victim.

His weight shifted, the grass rustling a bit at his feet, and then he sighed. It could wait until tomorrow, though, really. His eyelids closed halfway as a genuine nicker escaped his throat. For now, the tiny stallion was happy to just stand here.

[/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Milchtüte]

A L T S O B A ; all at war

She had been running for a while now. At the moment, she was cantering at a fairly brisk pace, although it was with less urgency than when she first set out. The mare had been in search of something new, and something to explain the things that were happening to her. She knew she needed someone to come and take her in, whether by her consent or not, she didn't particularly care. She knew how it worked. The factor that it could take awhile is what bothered her. The horse hadn't really seen any others for a long time, and it was aggravating. Not that she absolutely had to have company, but she didn't like being that lone mare wandering the area as if desperate. Snorting as she slowed her pace, her ears flattened back and her tail lashed at any unfortunate fly that passed by. It was time that she rest and accept that she wasn't getting anywhere. Dark eyes looking at the landscape, she analyzed the trees and the setting sun. It was inviting, yet at the same time what she saw only a bit beyond it concerned her. She couldn't actually place it; maybe someone was nearby? The mare was seriously getting... weird vibes.

The light that managed to break through the trees dappled the ground and Altsoba's coat, the chestnut color becoming vividly bright with the sun. It heated her as well, for the temperature was fairly lukewarm. She estimated that twilight would be upon her soon, and that she better find a place to rest. The mare had no specific preferences, but she would prefer maybe not to lay or stand in a place that was too vulnerable. The last thing she wanted was for a stallion or some predator to come charging at her while she was trying to rest. At the thought her mood immediately soured; fate could just be so ridiculous sometimes, especially toward female equines. Trotting a few paces forward, further into the thinly wooded area, Altsoba searched for any hospitable looking places to settle in. Not there, she thought bitterly, Nor there! Gods, why — wait... Altsoba paused in her silent criticism and ranting, a soft breeze rolling over her back and tousling her main and tail. She saw another horse; he was small, smaller than her, and he was just standing there.

Ears flicking back and forth in uncertainty, she tried not to kink her tail when she felt a very odd... fearful feeling. Yes, she knew it was a stallion, and she didn't really want to deal with another possessive and rude male at the moment. But that wasn't the issue! Altsoba couldn't explain it, so she tried to push it away and come up with something to do. Thinking logically, she supposed that he probably was already aware of her presence as she was of his. That made her more irritable, because, again, it was getting extremely late and she didn't feel like going through the guy's ego. Side-stepping carefully and lashing her tail, the chestnut horse moved through a few patches of sunlight before edging closer to (a lame excuse for) shelter. Lifting a narrowed head to look at the canopies above, she felt suddenly anxious and a bit cornered. All horses had a fight or flight instinct, and Altsoba's gears tended to be more prone to fight. Still, when facing a stallion a mare cannot disagree or fight without getting hurt and made submissive. It was how nature worked. But... this guy was so small! She truly didn't know if feeling wary was appropriate for the situation.


OOC: Er, I hope I did that right?

[Phoenix]

touma
FOLLOW ME DOWN
and you should know that the
lies won't hide your flaws
no sense in hiding all of yours
you gave up on your dreams along the way

[/color]

The soft sound of hooves filtered through the air and into his ears, and the smug smile on his face quickly dropped to one of simple contentment. It wasn't a lie, not this time, it just wasn't exactly the whole truth. He was so very good at avoiding the truth, as well as exposing it. It almost made him laugh how easily he was underestimated, and how simple it was to find exactly what pushed someone's buttons, and keep pushing them without them even knowing he was doing so. However, he knew he couldn't ruin everyone's life. It was lonely in the canyon. Perhaps another, with a twisted mind such as his. If it wasn't, life in the canyon would soon fix that, he had no doubt. However, he would much prefer to play the part of a concerned stallion until he knew the other a bit better.

As her sorrel coat became apparent through the branches, however sparse, he raised his head a bit, ears forward and alert as he simply listened and listened carefully. There was nothing noticeable about his demeanor that would set one off, though some would sense the devil that lurked just under the surface. Very few, though, and those who did rarely called him out on it, for there was never any evidence to support their gut instincts. He watched, curious, as she side stepped toward the tree, noticing she took the worse shelter, despite the branches being thicker in his area. A nervous little thing she was. Albeit, he couldn't call her little aloud, for she was certainly bigger than him. Most were. Despite the signs she was more flighty, he moved towards her. His pace was just that of a walk, and there was nothing about his movements that was openly sinister, but, as always, his mind was turning, scheming, planning.

Miss, I don't mean to intrude, but that is hardly a good place to rest for the night. Especially on one's own.

His voice was soft, careful. He almost shivered at how much he sounded like an equine from the kingdom of Dia. He probably would have, if he hadn't played this part so often that it was almost second nature. He could probably even live in a light herd and get away with it, too. But that would just be far to sickening for his tastes. Temporary kindness to lure a mare was one thing, but all the time? He'd rather kill himself.

[/blockquote][/blockquote]

-yup it's fine -

[Milchtüte]

A L T S O B A ; all at war

Altsoba chastised herself for looking more nervous than she had to be. Giving off the impression that she was just another trembling mare was not where she wanted to go with this encounter; she let her tail go lax, and her ears started to swivel nonchalantly at all the little sounds as if she was calm. She couldn't help though that one ear kept cautiously pointing in the other's direction. Dark eyes watched him, seeing his head and ears perk a bit; she felt a bit nervous by the change. Yes, he definitely noticed her. Altsoba was about to say something, or maybe just walk away as if nothing had ever happened (since he obviously wasn't doing anything), but she was beat to the point. The mare's ears flicked back in a cross between irritation and anxiety at the horse's advancement. Watching him approach, although not by much, she again got that strange vibe. It couldn't be placed, so she decided it shouldn't be mulled over, but it kept nagging her. Frowning, her left ear flicked forward when he spoke.

... He sounded... Okay... But Altsoba was experienced enough to know that first impressions weren't always right, and she knew of horses that could be the most charming things in the world and yet be malicious beyond all expectations. It also didn't help that she really wasn't affected by sweet words. The chestnut horse couldn't really find herself doubting the stallion's sincerity, though; he was smaller than her, so not so intimidating (size didn't determine everything, she knew, but...), he also seemed quite quaint. In fact, with all this, she really didn't know what to make of him. Altsoba decided that she may as well only judge him once she definitely got to know him. And she had a feeling that she was going to get to know him. A stallion didn't just walk up to a lone mare with no possessive intentions whatsoever. Yes, she knew how things worked indeed. Now, er, she had picked a bad... Oh, yes. Feeling a bit perturbed by him calling her out on something, she snorted and backed away from the thick tree. Glancing at it and then back at the other, she couldn't help but reply bitingly to his most likely harmless and soft words.

"I suppose so," she countered irritably, "But I wasn't going to rest here. I was only... looking at the leaves. They are quite peculiar." She tried to cover herself up although it was unnecessary. The mare got easily defensive and exasperated, but she couldn't help it. Sorrel mane taking on blazing highlights as she took a few more steps out into a patch of sunlight, she continued to eye the other horse with both ears focused in his direction. Now that she thought about it, was he one of those weak-legged horses? He sounded like one. The vibes that she was still getting from him made her doubt it, though. She was just really confused about him. Maybe she was acting and thinking so strangely because it was going to get dark soon and she hadn't expected to run into someone so late in the day. You're caring too much, she thought. It was understandable, though, right? She needed to join something soon for the sake of survival, so this was good, correct?


OOC: N/A

[Phoenix]

touma
FOLLOW ME DOWN
and you should know that the
lies won't hide your flaws
no sense in hiding all of yours
you gave up on your dreams along the way

[/color]

He could practically see her wheels turning. Ah, so she was one of those. The ones who could feel his intentions, but never quite prove them. At least, not until it was too late. That was the game he played, the game he loved. If it had not been for his parents, perhaps he would be the sweet stallion he pretended to be, or, at least, closer to him. Or, perhaps he was always meant to be this way and what others had done had no effect on his life. It was too late to tell now, he knew, for time could not be reversed, and he highly doubted it would ever be able to.

Amusement lighted in his eyes at her attempt to cover up her idea of planning to shelter there for the night. It was true amusement, pure amusement. For once, there was not a lie in his being. But it was only a moment, and it was terribly short. Yet he did not relish that moment. He felt exposed by it, and exposed far too early. No, he would not betray anything, not a fiber of his being would allow that, but it felt as if he had. Yet it wouldn't be a warning of any sort, not one such as her catching him playing a sadistic game would be. Even a slight glint in him eye would be enough to send someone running sometimes, particularly the flighty ones. So, he controlled everything, except for the urge to control everything. There was another possible explanation for his malicious mind; A need to play god.

Perhaps they are dear, and perhaps they are not, but either way, a better shelter is a must in these lands, for there is far more at work here than simple, protective lead stallions keeping their territory theirs...

He lifted his head slightly, moving his nose forward towards the leaves above her head, a small spark setting them aflame for a few seconds, before he softly snorted and watched as they went out by his own will. He lowered his gaze again, to watch for her reaction. His ears twitched for a moment before he caught himself, forced them to stop, just barely. It was only then he finished his comment.

As you can see.

[/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Milchtüte]

A L T S O B A ; all at war

She was brought back from her wondering when the other spoke. The mare had previously been oblivious to the stallion, too lost in her jumbled and wary thoughts to really notice anything he was doing. So, when his voice met her ears, she was a little startled. Looking at the horse with dark eyes, she listened to him carefully. If he says something demeaning, he's going to get it, she told herself, mouth pressed into a thin line. Although she wasn't entirely sure if she could take him, she could surely try and maybe get away with delivering a few blows. But, he was a stallion, and she was getting the picture that he was probably making out to be a lead somewhere close by. But really, what stallion didn't? Altsoba may be new to this land, but she wasn't stupid. She wasn't in the mood for him to talk to her like she could just be persuaded into anything like a little foal. Her pride wouldn't allow it. It was rare (extremely rare, not just rare) that a male would treat a female with an ounce of respect as if they were equals. Or maybe that was just Altsoba's experiences with the opposite sex. Hearing him talk she concluded quickly that he thought he knew best.

Completely ignoring the fact that he obviously did since he probably knew the land much better than she, Altsoba still got even more miffed. The mare hadn't really even forgiven him for his previous words, so this added "fuel to the fire". Her anger dissipated though as her gaze caught him lifting his head toward the leaves above them. Becoming a bit confused, she followed his gaze. The leaves were ignited and remained aflame for a moment before it sizzled out of existence. Her muscles tightened immediately. Ears focused on the spot where the fire had been, she tried to suppress the urge to rear or back away. She forced her large eyes to look at the stallion again, giving him an expression of mixed shock and leeriness. He said something else, but she barely caught it. Ears flicking back carefully to face his direction, she tried to process what just happened, as short and strange as it was. After some contemplation, Altsoba found herself to be in awe of the other, although at the same time very concerned for herself. Now more than ever she doubted the other, but... Did he really start that small fire? In all her life she had never seen something like that.

Wait. Was he insinuating that this place, this land, was different then others? Well, obviously, if he was trying to say that what just happened was normal. Tail threatening to tuck in between her legs, she said carefully, "Did you do that? ... And how..." She had to wonder if maybe she had lost her sanity. And, well, if he really did mean that this place had freaks all over the place, was she affected as well? Was it secluded only to this land and its blood inhabitants, or was it something a stranger could get along the way? Maybe Altsoba really had gone mad. Tossing her head in a jerky manner, she ignored the slight breeze that picked up and waited anxiously for the mysterious stallion's answer. The wind curled softly over her back, and it jostled the leaves overhead. Altsoba pushed aside the will to shiver; it was odd, wind picking up like that. To be honest though, it had been gently blowing all day. After a moment, she inquired something that she should have asked earlier, and not only for the sake of being polite. "Who are you? Your name, I mean." It wasn't technically her intention to pile on questions, but so much was going through her mind that she really didn't want to wait for a reply when something else was bugging her to be answered as well.

OOC: N/A

[Phoenix]

touma
FOLLOW ME DOWN
and you should know that the
lies won't hide your flaws
no sense in hiding all of yours
you gave up on your dreams along the way

[/color]

He watched and waited, something he was particularly good at, as she took a moment to collect her thoughts. It was quite a bit to take in. Hell, it had even freaked him out when he had first come this way a few years back. He didn't scare easily. If he did, he would probably scare himself, and he most certainly didn't. When she finally asked her questions, he dipped his head a bit before bringing it back up

Yes. We don't know what causes it, only that once you enter Dia Noche there is a chance to be gifted with some sort of power. We are also gifted with lengthened life, and the ability to live through any fatal wound if the pain itself doesn't make us give up entirely. There are gods, goddesses. They call themselves imperials. It's not just a belief system; They visit, often, and it is said that they were once newcomers to this land as well.

He noticed the increase in wind, and he watched as it buffeted around them, and it was only then that he really noticed it. The wind had never really stopped, not once she had come into view. The resident air imperial had chosen yet another. However, Touma chose not to say a word about it. For now, it was enough to take in that it could happen.

My name is Touma, miss...?

There was a question for her own name worked in, smooth as can be, almost as if it was practiced. It was, in a way, though not word-for-word. It was actually just the tone that was rehearsed

[/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Milchtüte]

A L T S O B A ; all at war

His explanation was, Altsoba had to admit, fascinating. Suddenly in awe of her environment, she looked around as if for the first time. It was strange, actually; the land looked so normal. One would never suspect the place of holding any irregular powers or abilities to make its inhabitants so extraordinary. Once-living gods, a land that can grant powers and eternal life, and out of the ordinary horses and happenings. Well, this Dia Noche was beyond Altsoba's wildest expectations. The mare didn't like to openly admire things, but she deemed that what the stallion told her was worth being stupefied over. Frowning, she turned back to the horse opposite her and analyzed him. Everything was a bit different now, seeing how things were not as they had appeared to be. This made Altsoba ten times more wary, alert, and curious; she was no longer doubtful of what the stallion could do, and she had a bit more respect for him seeing how he could summon fire. That kind of thing tended to make horses submissive, one knows. Despite his size Altsoba was willing to give the guy a bit more credential. But now...

She said his name in her head, rolling it about vaguely as if to get used to it. Altsoba caught the implied question in the stallion's voice, so she replied accordingly. "My name is Altsoba," she said curtly, calming down considerably. While she didn't feel obliged to be absolutely polite to Touma, she decided that she may as well not go snapping off at him anymore. She had common sense; that sense was telling her to mind the ones who could make her explode or something. Yes, that was smart indeed. Now, er, speaking of powers. Did she then have them herself? According to Touma, it was likely she did. When she had first saw this land and set hoof here, she hadn't felt anything strange or mind-blowing. In fact, she hadn't even known that she was roaming into an area with horses let alone an established country. Maybe that meant that she hadn't been affected by whatever the land seemed to possess. That unsettled her a bit, for she did not like the idea of being even further weakened and ostracized.

Ears flicking back and forth, she battled silently with her dignity as the want to ask something nagged at her brain. Finally giving in in what was only a few seconds, she asked, "So, how do you know if you... have a power?" Her voice was flat, and her dark eyes were averted from the other's form. Gods, how she loathed asking questions that were most likely so stupid. It wasn't an awful inquiry to her, because in all seriousness she wanted to know how the hell she could figure out if she was just an average horse anymore. To Touma though, she knew that it probably sounded like she was clueless. Altsoba wasn't an idiot. She knew things and had a lot of wisdom in her arsenal, but she could be quite slow sometimes. Right now Touma was the most knowledgeable around, and so she would take advantage of him. For his sake though he better be able to refrain from showing any amusement or will to mock her ignorance. It was hard for Altsoba's pride, and anything could send her teetering over the edge. Now that she thought about it, losing her temper would be awful in this situation, but she couldn't promise that her better judgement would be able to pull through.


OOC: N/A

[Phoenix]

touma
FOLLOW ME DOWN
and you should know that the
lies won't hide your flaws
no sense in hiding all of yours
you gave up on your dreams along the way

[/color]

At mention of her name his ears twitched for just a moment, a recognition that he had heard her. Altsoba. A unique name, and one he'd not easily forget. At least for a while. For now, she was truly a horse, not an object to play with, but if she ever did become a plaything to him... Well, she should watch her back. But by that point she probably wouldn't feel the need to. They never did, the silly little brains of those he chose for victims. By Pyron, were some horses stupid. His annoyance at imbeciles, though, lay entirely hidden. For now, her questions were perfectly understandable. He had asked them himself, though he had asked them to his own self and found the answer of his own accord.

Well, sometimes its rather difficult. It's often emotion that brings it on, the first time. Particularly ones you would associate with such a power. For example, it was anger that first triggered my own power. But, pray tell, has the wind stopped for even an instant around you yet? For the wind is a flighty thing, rather like yourself from what I've seen.

He replied, trying to make it sound as little offensive as possible. He truly didn't mean to offend her, he was just being honest. He was sometimes brutally so, but mostly only when his game began to slip out of his grasp, or when he finally decided to tear them down from whatever pedestal he would place them on for that particular purpose.

However lovely this conversation was, which, really, he didn't care about, he could feel the warmth of the sun fading away rapidly. The sun would be gone for the night soon, and although he would be warm enough with his power of fire, he highly doubted she would be. His let his mind get distracted for a mere moment as he thought about it. He supposed she could live in the canyon. She would most certainly have to learn to control that power of hers, though, if it was indeed the air. The voices of the dead that echoed were fine, but the wind whistling through constantly would annoy him to no end. However, he said nothing and offered nothing to her yet. It was certainly not the best time to mention anything of the sort, being in the middle of a conversation as it were. It was only as he decided he would, if the topic came up, offer her a place to stay, at least for the night, that he began paying attention again, though nothing had given her any hint to him ignoring her. He had appeared interested the whole time. He was rather proud of himself, for he hadn't even really thought about keeping up appearances, yet he had. It was most definitely becoming far too easy.

[/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Milchtüte]

A L T S O B A ; all at war

Altsoba had listened respectfully to Touma in silence, her ears intent on his words and her eyes calm and placid. The wind...? Could it really — Hey! She snorted in offense, her eyes blazing. She did not appreciate being referred to as "flighty". And she was not! The mare was careful, and although she had to admit that she could be overly wary sometimes, it was because she was in a questionable place or situation. Holding back the desire to sharply reply, or, even better, kick his small hide into the next territory, she managed to repress herself. He hadn't sounded malicious, and so it was his saving grace. Teeth bared despite her decision to let it slide, Altsoba stamped her foot and glared at him. Without her really noticing it, the wind had picked up from just being a gentle breeze to a stinging kind of nuisance, like a gust or something similar. It tossed her chestnut mane about, the hairs alight in the dying rays of the sun. After a moment she did realize this change in weather; perplexed, she lifted her head a bit and decided to... test something. If (annoying) Touma was right, then maybe she could be able to get the wind to stop. It was worth a try, and since the stallion was being relatively quiet she thought that it wouldn't hurt to attempt it without the chance of embarrassing herself. As soon as she mentally began focusing on the idea of the wind dying down, it did.

Surprised and quite pleased by the outcome of her experiment, she turned back to (annoying) Touma to give him a wondering look. Altsoba concluded that she probably did have these "wind powers". And, er, the stallion had fire powers, it seemed. How peculiar this was. She could harness the power of wind, something notorious for being wild, untamed, and unpredictable. At the thought, she was even more pleased and found it a little fitting for she to have such an ability. The mare wasn't normally egotistic, but really. This deserved an exception! Muscles relaxing, she turned her attention back to the chopped up horizon. She really couldn't see where the sky met the earth (obviously), but the trees in the distance were mere silhouettes and were stark black against the blue and orange in the sky. It had cooled down as well, and the wind was barely even blowing (thanks to her). She felt a bit jittery. The horse had hoped to find shelter way before this time of day, but fate had intervened, apparently. So she was left without a place to go and it was already mid-twilight. Although she felt wary, not flighty like (annoying) Touma had described her, she had to keep a brave face.

But hey, wait... Why hadn't he tried to steal her away yet or something? Odd. She had actually forgotten about her initial concerns over running into a stallion. Which was: being treated like a helpless mare and herded away to some territory against her will. That hadn't... happened. Bewildered and suddenly cautious, she gave the other an inquisitive look. While she had stopped feeling that weird vibe quite some time ago, she was feeling renewed confusion over the male and what his intentions were. Why hadn't he said something about that yet? He was kind of going against Altsoba's basic stereotype for all stallions. She didn't know whether to be pleasantly surprised by this or agitated. Ears yet again flicking back and forth, she said with a hint of suspiciousness, "It's gotten dark. I never did find a place to take shelter." It was a mix of trying to evoke an anticipated reaction and maybe catch him off guard. The latter she had no idea, but the former she realistically hoped for. With some prodding, he would surely suggest something a long the lines of going with him to his territory, right? After all, she doubted (annoying) Touma would just call it a day and let her freeze out in the open, eh? Actually, no. She wouldn't put it past him at all.


OOC: N/A

[Phoenix]

touma
FOLLOW ME DOWN
and you should know that the
lies won't hide your flaws
no sense in hiding all of yours
you gave up on your dreams along the way

[/color]

He stood calm, waiting for her momentary annoyance with him to pass, at least enough for the wind to die down. However, when the clearly annoyed look on her face faded into one of concentration, he noticed she was trying it out, and he smiled. When the wind did, indeed, calm down, he was most certainly satisfied. He had been right, and, although it wasn't a far stretch to guess she had air powers, it still did little to keep his ego in check, at least on the inside.

He laughed softly at her comment on not finding a place to stay, shaking his head, quite clearly amused. Of course, it was only so amusing when one knew all the fact. And so, he decided he may as well share, before she decided to kill him, or rather, try to. He most certainly could see her trying, too, and although he hadn't given her undeniable reasons to do so, he definitely hadn't given her even one reason not to kill him.

Well, then I suppose it's a good time to mention my territory is nearby and you can stay there for the night, at least. Longer, if you wish.

He replied, deciding not to mention the soft whispers of the dead that echoed through the canyon. It wasn't like they had an off switch, and if she didn't want to stay near them, then, well, she would simply be without shelter for the night just the same as if she turned him down on his offer on the spot. He honestly didn't care which she chose. It took a lot for him to feel lonely, and spending yet another night alone after a nice little conversation was certainly not something that would cause that outcome. Perhaps a few weeks in complete solitude, but, even then. He thrived on conversation, and needling all the right spots to get the information he wanted, almost needed. Not actually contact with another, no that was definitely not on his list of needs.

[/blockquote][/blockquote]

[Milchtüte]

A L T S O B A ; all at war

Her ears flicked toward him as he spoke, her assumptions being almost immediately proven the moment his words processed in her mind. It was good; they had gotten to what Altsoba considered the thick of the matter. She needed a place to stay overnight (and maybe call home), and Touma had finally offered. But only after some goading, apparently, although not apparently for it was true. It didn't matter anymore. Her dark eyes looked at the small-statured horse, and she thought about how to respond. She had already decided, but it didn't stop her from doing a last minute assessment. Sure, Touma kind of concerned her, and at the same time she got an ominous feeling about him, but she had no proof to credit her feelings. It was just an inkling, and she didn't wish to be so judgmental (yet) when her future was probably riding on the ability to trust this stallion or not. The gist of things was that she needed a herd.... That was why she was traipsing the land entire for a damned place to call home. Her mind told her, though, that she couldn't just accept whatever was handed out to her; Touma could be a cold blooded murderer, and she'd just be walking into trouble. Also he was quite... quiet in nature. 'Quiet' definitely wasn't the right word, but she couldn't think of any other way to describe him. Would he be able to defend a herd? Would his personality flip in the future? And what was his territory like? She'd seen a good portion of Dia Noche so far, although she hadn't really gone into its heart. This side seemed more dark than the other, but she couldn't place it. But, yet, again, she had already decided. With night inevitably creeping up on her sorrel shoulders, she decided to go ahead and say something.

"Perhaps," she began, deciding to be difficult, "but what is your territory like?" Hey, he wasn't pushing her off like he owned her already, so why not? (But ffftt, like he'd be able to do that.) Altsoba wanted to take his current hospitality to her advantage without wearing it thin. If she dare say so, she was fairly good at that via trial and error. Pondering what his answer may be, she wondered if it would suit her newly found powers. He had the ability to apparently control fire to some extent (of which she did not know if it had constricting limits), so his territory would maybe suit that power? But of course, one could not be choosy sometimes. Maybe she was looking too far into it? All Altsoba hoped was that wherever it was she would be able to control her strengths and keep the wind at bay or in her steady arsenal. She still had to get used to it, actually; she was anxious to further explore this new asset to herself. In her opinion, it was too wild and unknown. Altsoba wanted to learn more about it. But then, yet again, she had more pressing issues breathing down her bloody mane. Like, er, somewhere to stay that night? I really need to prioritize... she thought with just a hint of annoyance at herself. Her tail twitched and an ear flicked back.


OOC: Sorry for the wait and the fail post. D:

[Phoenix]

touma
FOLLOW ME DOWN
and you should know that the
lies won't hide your flaws
no sense in hiding all of yours
you gave up on your dreams along the way

[/color]

He waited, ever so patient. On the inside, he was getting rather annoyed with the waiting, things went so slow sometimes, but he would never let that show. It wasn't as if she was bad company, he supposed, and she certainly didn't bore him as much as she could. He had a habit of needing constant distraction when around others, because once he was no longer alone his mind started to run rather rapidly, and when it was thinking so very fast, he needed things to keep it entertained. One of the many reasons for his often sadistic behavior, though it had not been the trigger. No, that had been his parents. He knew that much.

It's a rather large canyon; Easy to defend, only one way in and out. A river runs along the side, all the way to the pond where the canyon ends. Alcoves for shelter. Not an excess of grass, but enough to sustain a herd, if I had one.

A small smirk found its way to his lips, and he didn't fight it back this time. So, the one who would ask for a place to stay, even implied as it was, would now play hard to get? His interest had been caught. It took very little to interest him some days, but now, so soon after a particularly interesting game of cat and mouse, it took quite a bit more. But she had managed it. Perhaps she would be worth his time, and not the fast, terrorized end he had almost been about to start planning. This was still a maybe, a small, so very small, possibility. But she was lucky to have that much.

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--- It's okay :] ---

[Milchtüte]

A L T S O B A ; all at war

Altsoba pondered over what Touma had just said, her ears flicking back and forth while she did so. The mare tried to ignore the smirk she saw on the stallion's face; it only disconcerted her and made her old suspicions bubble back up. So, she pretended that it was merely a trick of the light and prayed she wouldn't regret it later. Her dark eyes lifted their gaze from Touma to look at the darkened horizon. There was only a thin sliver of gold that could be seen through the breaks in the trees, and the shrubbery themselves was pitch black and without any detail. The sky in its majority was a purple-blue color, threatening on navy. A few, twinkling stars could be seen in the relatively clear sky; a wisp of cloud could also be seen here or there, but it was spread out and didn't look threatening. The wind had been quelled, and it had stayed like that for the duration of the time since Altsoba had manipulated it. Of this she was pleased, but it was only a flicker in the back of her mind. Even though it was the turn of the season, it was still too cool for most horse's liking; she mused that it wouldn't be warm at night for a while yet. Lowering her gaze back to the other, she gave him a scrutinizing look. She still wasn't sure about him; it was something. She just couldn't place it. The mare cursed her inability to tell, but she had to admit that she was only a mortal equine. There's no use riding on an iffy feeling when more important things are on the line. Kinking her tail, she decided that she had no choice (although she had already determined this ages ago). Why am I so stubborn? she thought, bemused with herself yet at the same time feeling rather apathetic. Maybe it was because she was getting tired? Well, she had already wasted the few daylight hours that she may have had, but she blamed that on Touma. If that was possible... Huffing, she gave in. Sort of.

"A canyon, you say?" she neighed, her ears flicking back in mock displeasure and fright. And what is this 'one way in and out'? she wanted to ask, rather liking to be terribly difficult just for the sake of being herself and being quirkily cautious. The sorrel-coated mare refrained from continuing her endless tirade of inquiries, her hide looking a muddy brown in the extreme lack of light. It was best they wrapped this up and got it over with. Altsoba knew what was coming. "I suppose it would get hot there during the day," Scratch that, she was still going to be mildly pushing. Her voice was practically laden with seriousness and skepticism; she really didn't have to try to be the way she was. "You say you have plenty of resources..." The mare was vaguely talking to herself, but her eyes and ears were still partially focused on Touma. There was a slight problem. No, Altsoba was not necessarily stalling, but.... She didn't want to get pulled into anything that she wouldn't be able to get out of later. Common sense told her that she indeed did want to take part in this currently nonexistent herd of his, but her experiences screamed at her otherwise. The desire to breed and settle down and her better, less primitive conscience combatted for a bit then. Altsoba had had a terrible past with herds; she had seen them all. She had witnessed the oppressive ones, the lackadaisical groups, dictators, free-lances, etc. None in Dia Noche, for she was new to this place and did not know what was beyond this sterile piece of land, but she knew enough about stallions and power that she was wise enough to be wary. She may be irritable, and she may be irrationally violent at times, but she wasn't stupid. Taking a step to the side, Altsoba gave Touma a mean glare, one that lasted quite a while. Her dark eyes never left his features (she didn't look him in the eye), and she took up a defensive yet offensive stand. This was final judgement, she was just that hard to persuade. Giving a final snort, she semi-relaxed; her ears flicked forward again and her tail stilled.

"All right," she conceded.


OOC: Unnecessarily dramatic end to post is dramatic.

[Phoenix]

touma
FOLLOW ME DOWN
and you should know that the
lies won't hide your flaws
no sense in hiding all of yours
you gave up on your dreams along the way

[/color]

He let her talk, simply listening. Listening was one good way to understand how another would react, and to understand how their brain worked. That was key when you were who Touma was. Watching, waiting, ever so patient yet always feeling the need for things to move faster. A walking contradiction, that was him. Small, but very powerful in his own way. Seemingly kind, but the devil inside. You could make a presumption of just about anything and you would likely be the complete opposite of the truth, but never know it. When she finally agreed to come, no matter how patient he had seemed, he now spun on his haunches, then glanced back at her for a moment.

Then come. Follow my trail. I know these lands well.

He told her, tossing his head back forward, a rather unnecessary movement except for the fact that this was Touma, and unnecessary movements were a particular forte of his. His ears twitched as sprung forward into a gentle, careful trot. He kept it at an average pace for the average horse, though that was slightly fast for him, for the obvious reason of him being smaller. His head lowered to where he could more easily see the ground, a small trail of dim fire lighting the way, though disappearing as his hooves neared it. He didn't glance back at her. He would not babysit her, she could take care of herself or ask him for his help. He would not help just to seem good and wonderful. He doubted she'd appreciate it, even if he did.

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